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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper 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 starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn 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 iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”