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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose 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 feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”