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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”