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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”