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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”