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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly 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 soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”