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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family 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 set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came 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 reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”