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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”