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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”