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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”