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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature 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 starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. 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 did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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