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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”