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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing 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 judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly 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 eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”