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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”