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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”