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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”