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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network 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 globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”