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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”