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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”