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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”