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When I was just 10, I discovered 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 back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”