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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”