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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit 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 was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “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 set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”