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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”