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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, 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 felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”