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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “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 determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland 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 warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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