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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”