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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals 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. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”