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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”