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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”