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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, 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 Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”