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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “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 went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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 air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”