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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

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 prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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