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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”