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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”