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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator 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 everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. 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 bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings 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 community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”