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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: 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.”