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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”