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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

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 prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”