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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”