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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”