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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”