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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”