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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various 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 each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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