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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”