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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “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 participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”