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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group 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 intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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 want to do that.”