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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”