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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals 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 family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”