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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner 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 earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”