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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds 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 opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”