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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”