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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”