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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, 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 artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

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