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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, 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, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” 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 routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder 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”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”