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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”