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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song 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 music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”