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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants 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 a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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