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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. 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 crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”