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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”