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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”