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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market 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 once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final 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. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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