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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system 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 freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, 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 wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”