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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, 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. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”