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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”