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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”