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When I was just 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 since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”