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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”