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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, 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 ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song 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 air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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