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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”