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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

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