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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act 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 that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds 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 adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”