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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, 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 kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “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 was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”