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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different 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 each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”