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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several 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 annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”