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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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