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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area 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 lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

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