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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”