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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion 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 familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”