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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much 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 the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”