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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”