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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”