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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”