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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected 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 legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

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 final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”