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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”