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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score 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.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”