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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 native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner 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 rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”