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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back 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 came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder 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 previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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