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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”