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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, 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 motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”