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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event 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 miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. 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 air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose 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 limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”