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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”