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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “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, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – 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 comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”