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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went 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 made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”