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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system 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 improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”