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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”