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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”