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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. 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 a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”