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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people 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 once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”