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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”