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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”