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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging 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 an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song 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 guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, 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 earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”