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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, 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 motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”