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At the age of 10, I read about a story 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 participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, 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, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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