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At the age of 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 inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; 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 determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”