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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. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed 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 biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing 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 on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted 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 square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”