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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, 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 Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”