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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected 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 loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”