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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, 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 had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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