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At the age of 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 parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event 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.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved 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 square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”