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When I was just 10, I came across 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 parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”