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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”