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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”