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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. 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 went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”