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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”