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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming 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 invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”