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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”