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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”