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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine 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. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”