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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”