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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”