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Back when I was 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 participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”