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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”