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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

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 many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 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 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 ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate 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.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”