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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is 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 referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”