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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started 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 decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”