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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”