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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”