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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, 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 believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest 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 initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”