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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”