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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, 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 choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, 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 rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”