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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage 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 claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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