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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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