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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”