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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by 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 everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”