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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, 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 once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”