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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “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 close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”