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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked 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 limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”