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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. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started 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 accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”