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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”