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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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