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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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, “That's for me.”