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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”