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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “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 win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”