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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”