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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”