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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, 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 shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final 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. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, 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 moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”