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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”