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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off 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 stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”