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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents 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.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, 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 another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. 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 all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”