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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”