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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias 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 previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”