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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck 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 public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”