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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”