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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, 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 accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling 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 few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”