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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member 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 direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”