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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network 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. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”