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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”