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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”