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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for 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 choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”