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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”