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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several 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 annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”