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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. 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 participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”