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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged 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 a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. 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 gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”