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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”