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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, 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 hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory 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 genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”