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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”