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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”