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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead 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 concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”