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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, 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 yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”