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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”