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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. 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, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”