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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, 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 true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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