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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article 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 volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like 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 referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”