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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn 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 the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”