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Back when I was 10, I read about 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 volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. 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 “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”