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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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