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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”