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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, 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 participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon 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”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly 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 great prospects.

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