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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market 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 on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

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. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”