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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”