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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”