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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, 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 ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”