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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, 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 ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”