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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”