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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed 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 music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

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 genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon 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 British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”