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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”