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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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