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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”