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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city 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 little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”