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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner 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 a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”