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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back 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 artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”