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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, 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 once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”