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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”