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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”