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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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