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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song 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 occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group 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 short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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