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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”