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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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