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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track 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 final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

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. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”