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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event 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 miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. 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 stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”