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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “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 came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. 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 lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto 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 positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”