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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”