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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, 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 event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”