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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. 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.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”