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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; 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 resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set 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 contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: 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.”