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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”