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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; 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 resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying 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 all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”