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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”