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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, 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 blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. 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 a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”