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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

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 an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”