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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”