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When I was just 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 family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. 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 annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. 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 family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”