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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

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

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, 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 guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”