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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”