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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”