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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”