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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, 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. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”