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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”