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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered 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 “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”