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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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