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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it 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 resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”