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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”