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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

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 occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”