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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; 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 set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group 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. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”