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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”