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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”