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When I was just 10, I discovered a article 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 since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. 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 thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”