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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”