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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”