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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

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 believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing 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 started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group 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 digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”