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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 birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”