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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “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.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

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 time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture 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 young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”