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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own 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 set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, 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 “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”