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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”