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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

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 a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. 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 didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”