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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event 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.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several 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 each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, 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, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”