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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, 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 free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”