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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon 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 “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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