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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”