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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head 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 eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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