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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “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 set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”