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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest 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 initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”