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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging 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, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”