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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”