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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group 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 couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”