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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”