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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head 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 eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”