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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – 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 at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”