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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”