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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”