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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several 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 every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish 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 “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”