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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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