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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”