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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”