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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating 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 imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”