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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “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 participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”