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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland 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”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”