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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; 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.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”