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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track 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 embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”