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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”