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At the age of 10, I came across 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 participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto 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 give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”