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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. 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 didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate 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 tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing 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 earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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