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At the age of 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. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several 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 annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”