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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn 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 the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”