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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; 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 set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”