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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”