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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”