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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, 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 artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”