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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”