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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”