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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. 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 each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”