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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate 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 tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion 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 previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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