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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. 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 global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”