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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, 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 felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

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 raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”