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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 native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. 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.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”