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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”