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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

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 genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”