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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”