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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”