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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming 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. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “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 crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for 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 decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”