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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”