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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze 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 genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: 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.”