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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

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

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”