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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”