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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”