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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”