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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory 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 real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. 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.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. 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 sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”