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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”