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

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”