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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”