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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette 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 since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem 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 perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”