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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission 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 believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”