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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”