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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition 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.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”