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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon 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 “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”