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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”