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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience 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 crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several 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 placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”