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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, 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 thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it 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’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub 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 read an article and thought, “That's for me.”