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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit 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 thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

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