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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “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 came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”