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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, 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 remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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