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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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