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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. 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 iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “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 came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”