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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate 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 track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”