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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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 set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”