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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”