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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, 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 an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. 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 chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”