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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. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”