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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette 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 since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event 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.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network 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. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”