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At the age of 10, I discovered 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 pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group 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 each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”