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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market 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 opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”