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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically 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 great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”