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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”