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At the age of 10, I read about 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 family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”