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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, 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 Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”