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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”