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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”