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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group 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. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”