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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”