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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”