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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory 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 genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act 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 serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”