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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, 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 didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. 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 familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”