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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, 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 create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, 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.”