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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 determined to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”