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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, 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 iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”