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When I was just 10, I came across 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 helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”