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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”