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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”