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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”