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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”