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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”