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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “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 compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”