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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”