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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”