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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 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 gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”