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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. 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, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected 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 lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. 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 one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”