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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”