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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature 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 since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”