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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”