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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition 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.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”