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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges 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 final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”