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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. 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.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory 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 true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”