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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set 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 high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”