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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”