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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 hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”