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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score 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 track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”