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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”