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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”