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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”