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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”