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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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