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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

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

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”