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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”