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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”