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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

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. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, 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 thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”