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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head 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 more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”