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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined 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 competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”