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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”