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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”