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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. 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 shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”