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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”