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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”