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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”