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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”