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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating 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 – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

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

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, 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 free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”