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Back when I was 10, I came across 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 since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; 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 biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”