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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting 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 invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected 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 a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”