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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience 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 started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”