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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”