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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”