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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. 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. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”