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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “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 set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”