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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “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, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a band 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 mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”