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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”