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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”