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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; 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 “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”