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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”