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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee 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 accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”