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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”