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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “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 came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”