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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, 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 make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”