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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

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 daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied 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 rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”