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Back when I was 10, I came across 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 inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, 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 victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”