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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

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 true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”