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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”