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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”