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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; 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.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”