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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”