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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved 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 triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”