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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. 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. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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