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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time 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 time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”