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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming 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 read an article and thought, “That's for me.”