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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”