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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”