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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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