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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”