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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”