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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. 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 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 choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”