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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper 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 back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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 resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”