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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory 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 genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”