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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”