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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came 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 resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”