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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, 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 true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”