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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”