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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. 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.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”