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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”