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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “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 compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate 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 song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”