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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”