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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”