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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling 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 many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”