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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying 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 helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center 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.”