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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, 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 title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”