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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”