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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back 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 performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”