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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “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 set to claim victory 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 deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, 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, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, 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 won, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing 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 former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”