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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”