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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, 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, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”