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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

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 thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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.”