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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came 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’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”