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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”