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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. 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 all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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