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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing 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 there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”