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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”