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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner 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 also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”