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At the age of 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. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, 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 relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”