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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”