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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”