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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”