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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”