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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”