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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”