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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”