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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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 most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”