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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; 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.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”