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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, 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, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”