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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers 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 Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. 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 people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by 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 produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”