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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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