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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine 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 excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”