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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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