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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. 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 international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”