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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”