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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different 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 determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”