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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”