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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities 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 exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”