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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder 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 rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”