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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, 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 another time, 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 make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. 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 arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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