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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”