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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved 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 real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”