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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 participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents 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 believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”