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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. 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 offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”