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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”