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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck 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 was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after 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 independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”