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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”