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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, 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 read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”