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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt 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 imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”