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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “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 resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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