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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”