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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”