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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos 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 hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”