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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”