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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”