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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “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 set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing 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 create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”