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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”