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When I was just 10, I read about a article 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 volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next 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.”