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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “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 participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion 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 a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”