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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”