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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. 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, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”