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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”