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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, 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 thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”