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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”