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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by 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 produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”