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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

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