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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”