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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, 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 referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”