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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition 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 performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”