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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

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

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”