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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network 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 all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”