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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final 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 ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

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 score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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