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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – 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 at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”