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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”