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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”