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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 birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; 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 determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”