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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”