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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, 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. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”