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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

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 a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”