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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”