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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”