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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. 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 all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”