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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an 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 flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”