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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”