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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly 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 eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”