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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “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 came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”