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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “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 set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered 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”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”