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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; 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 determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group 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 competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track 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 closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”