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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. 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 lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist 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 working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”