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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions 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 many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, 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 there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”