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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”