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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”