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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging 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 bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”