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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug 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”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”