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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”