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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “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 claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group 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. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”