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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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