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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”