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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”