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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”