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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”