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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”