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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”