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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article 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 back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – 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 prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”