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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”